Nearly 2,000 Korean Motorists File Lawsuits Against German Carmaker Volkswagen Amid Emissions Scandal
Two months ago, German carmaker Volkswagen was accused by the US Environment Protection Agency (EPA) for allegedly cheating the emission tests by installing a "defeat device" on its models.
Volkswagen's new chief executive Herbert Diess delivered his apology for the emission scandal during an auto show in Japan last month. He also vowed to rebuild the trust of the customers after the issue came out in September.
"On behalf of my entire company, I'd like to apologize," Diess says, as noted by CNBC on Oct. 28.
Last month, two Korean motorists have filed a lawsuit against the German auto maker after the company admitted the accusations of cheating the emission tests for its diesel cars, as reported by The Chosunilbo on Oct. 1.
"More than 100 other owners called asking questions after news spread of the first lawsuit," says Ha Jong Sun, lawyer of the two plaintiffs. "We plan to file additional lawsuits one to two weeks from now."
A judge said, "Companies in other countries facing such lawsuits usually seek a settlement and Volkswagen may opt to take that route."
Since the two plaintiffs filed a lawsuit against the German company, more and more Korean motorists are filing against Volkswagen.
Barun Law revealed that nearly 2,000 Korean motorists have joined in the lawsuit against the carmaker amid the emissions scandal, Korea Times forecasted Tuesday.
"As of Monday, 1,999 Koreans have filed lawsuits against Volkswagen AG, Audi AG, Audi-Volkswagen Korea, and their domestic sales outlets to cancel sales contracts and demand the repayment of purchase prices," says Atty. Ha Jong Seon.
Further reports have revealed that around 6,500 car owners have presented necessary documents in order to file a lawsuit against Volkswagen. Ha also added that his law firm is expecting it will receive up to 500 more complaints each week.
The lawyer from the Korean law firm also said that trial is slated to begin on December 4. Ha added that the next procedures will progress swiftly once the court and judges have come up with a decision.